Nevada County picayune., 1887-11-02

roundings.
 l knew that in three or four hours 1 would reach Cranstown, the little station nestling at the : very foot of the great moui,- tains.
 And then l began to reflect up- on the situation, and wonder what Dr. Thorpe was like. 1 had never met him or his wife, though they were dear friends of my mothers; but at that small stop ping place l could have no diff culty in identifying my expected escort.
 ! With my thoughts busy, and an unspoken prayer in my heart that l would find mother better, 1 wait. ed, and the train rolled on.
 After time it began to slackell speed. "Cranstown" was shouted Justify; gathered my few belong lngs together and rose to my feet. It was dark night-an exceed inely dark night. My watch, at which l had just glanced told the hour of ten.
 l was faint and weary, and scarcely knew what 1 was do- ing as l followed the courteous conductor out upon the platform; moment later 1 was deposited upon the ground, bag and baggage and with a untitled roar the train sped on it's way. l pcered about me through the darkness was standing near the railroad track, with the plat form of a country depot close at hsud.
 A lantern swung from the front of the low wooden building, and threw sickly yellow glare for a few feet around. A strange feeling of loneliness crept over my heart; turned to enter the depot. Just then d tall form arose before me, so sudden ly that started and uttered a low cry, and mars voice spoke soft ly; a high-bred, well-mOdulated voice.
 "I knew you.would come. All the others declared that you would not; but"
 "Would not, indeedw 1 inter rupted him, indignantly. Good heavens! what do you mean, Dr. Thorpe! I suppose this is Dr. Thorpe?
 By the dim light l could see him bow.
 "Ot course! You're up to your old jokes, l see. Come Ethel. the carriage is waiting. and we have a fearful drive before us. Ten long miles do you think you can endure itg"
 felt my face flush as I turned angrIlv.
 I could endure tOrtures to reach her! l cried vehemently. How is she, doctor! have not dared to ask before.'
 "Oh, she's all right-all right, he cried lightly. Really, Ethel, you need feel no anxiety"
 By this time we had reached the carriage--a rOomy phaetOn.
 Dr. Thorpe assisted me to a seat, and deposited himself at my side with all my belongings; he gathered up the reius, touched the horse lightly with the whip, and we we were off like the wind. A strange feeling crept into my heart; doubt of the wisdom of my own proceedings: d fear of which I was even then heartily ashamed. We flew onward and Dr. Thorpe grew quite confidential. 'I don't mind telling you, Ethel, he sad, as we drove along over a road which gradually grew more steep and rocky, and bore witness to his testimony of a fearful drive. 1 don't mind contessing to you that I am done for at last. And what do you think, cOusin!--I was not his cousin, but thought best to make no demur. have fallen il, love, over head and heels, with a picture. A photograph, Ethel, one which l have boldly and malicious. ly purloined from it's owner, who is d near relative of the original. Wish me success in my woOing. For, although l have never met her, I have sworn to win her some day. if it lies within human, pow er."